Spring Brings Chip Roman's The Treemont to Center City

This spring’s round of restaurant openings brings The Treemont, celebrated chef and restaurateur Chip Roman’s latest, to the Aria building at 15th and Locust Streets.

Like his previous efforts, Mica in Chestnut Hill, Ela in Queen Village, and BYOB Blackfish in Conshohocken, the latest addition to Roman’s growing restaurant group puts forth a contemporary approach to the American palette, but here it’s tailored toward a neighborhood vibe with more approachable price points. It’s his first venture in Center City.

In creating the restaurant and bar, Roman and company completely overhauled the bi-level space, giving it a refreshed look with a warmer, more contemporary atmosphere highlighted with wood paneling, subway tiles and retro lighting strung from the ceiling.

Drinking options include 12 local and craft beers in cans and bottles, 12 wines by the glass (five reds, five whites and two sparklers) and six cocktails created by Ela barkeeps Maria Polise and Zachary Svoboda. Check out the full drink list here.

Like Blackfish and Mica, The Treemont’s American menu puts an emphasis on fresh seafood. The majority of the plates are designed to be shared and very drink-friendly. The bill of fare is broken down by subheadings Snacks, Land, and Sea, with larger dishes filed under Entrees and For Two. Some highlights include a six-hour cured cobia with black rice, red beet vinaigrette and cilantro; foie gras terrine with sea buckthorn, macadamia, brioche and rhubarb; and an homage to Roman’s mentor with escargots à la Georges Perrier. Bigger plates include Parisian gnocchi, morel mushrooms, fiddlehead ferns and ivory sauce; a 24 oz. dry-aged Berkshire pork chop with spring onion and pork jus; and a fish du jour. Check out the full menu here.

The Treemont is open Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 — 10 PM; and Friday and Saturday, 5 — 11 PM. The bar is open daily from 4:30 PM — 1 AM.